It goes without saying that Acura looks nothing like it used to in the old days. Acura was popular for producing premium luxury cars backed by Honda’s premium engineering and reliability characteristic. While the Honda connection remains, there’s less and less of the track legends such as the original NSX. In consolation, Acura has metamorphosized into a new form, offering fancier versions of Hondas in a bid to have a piece of the market cake that’s not brute-power oriented as it was before.
All in all, it’s not a bad route for the company, but it needs to realign its priorities from its bland models like the MDX and put more effort into its record-breaking models like the NSX or TLX, which are more in tune with what its fans recognize it for. With that in mind, what are the least expensive Acura models? We compiled a list, ranked!
10 2020 Acura RLX $55,895
The 2020 Acura RLX might be unnoticeable next to its ostentatious rivals; however, it still rolls down the road with a high-value supercar hybrid powertrain. The RLX is a low volume luxury sedan, with basic components as well as upscale features. It still lacks the wow factor most cars in its class have, and it comes with the same old obsolete infotainment system with a generic styled cabin.
As a consolation, you’ll get a good fuel economy that satisfies most prospective buyers. It comes with a standard V6 engine producing 310hp paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
9 2020 Acura ILX $26,895
If anything, the 2020 Acura ILX is a spruced-up version of an American sweetheart, the Honda Civic. However, it significantly falls short compared to the civic when it comes to performance and entertainment. It still offers a dutiful powertrain, with a poised chassis as expected, but doesn’t deliver the driving engagement expected.
A consolation is its standard desirable tech features, which, to be honest, is showing signs of age despite Acura’s redesign. All in all, the 2020 Acura ILX is a solid built and well-priced alternative compared to its closest competition.
8 2020 Acura MDX $45,395
The 2020 Acura MDX won’t startle a crowd rolling down the road, not when Audi is still producing three-row crossovers. However, the 2020 MDX offers quite an impressive cabin space with an ability to carry up to seven passengers and tow up to 5000 pounds. It’s the perfect family adventure car.
It has comfortable seats, desirable features but a rather hard-to-use infotainment system. The 2020 MDX comes with a 290hp V6 engine paired to a 9-speed transmission. While the transmission is smooth while cruising, it is slow to downshift during acceleration.
7 2020 Acura RDX $38,595
Compared to most compact luxury crossovers, the 2020 RDX puts a lot of emphasis on luxury than sportiness. Acura ensured the RDX had an amazing angular bodywork, with a great looking front-end compared to other vehicles in its class.
While it lacks the kind of pedigree features offered by its closest rivals such as the AUDI and BMW, Acura RDX offers an amazing build quality design at a much lower price tag. It comes with a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission producing 272hp. Prospective buyers can choose from two variants; a front or all-wheel-drive powertrain.
6 2020 Acura TL $36,950
From the first impression, its immediately noticeable that the 2020 Acura TL is not desirable, at least from its appearance. But as a consolation, it comes with a ton of luxury and tech for its price tag. Its heavier compared to its closest competition, but extremely enjoyable behind the wheels.
To get the best driving experience out of the 2020 TL, prospective buyers need to get the SH-AWD variant that comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The Acura 2020 comes with a performance-tuned suspension, perhaps a reason why it's quite satisfying on the road.
5 2020 Acura TLX $33,995
The 2020 Acura TLX has a deceptive demeanor, it comes with a distinct face with performance spec enhancements, but it is, in fact, a mild-mannered sedan. While it offers quite a pleasant and composed ride experience compared to its closest rivals, it falls short when it comes to luxury and performance.
The 2020 Acura TLX still offers an impressive resume, with its standard features and captivating new tech such as its all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering that have a lot of effect on its handling. The Acura TLX comes with a standard 206 V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission producing 206hp.
4 Acura TSX $31,555
After the introduction of the ILX, the Acura TSX was no longer the baby of the Acura line-up. Still, the TLX remains a valuable entry in Acura with its manual transmission system, making it one of the most exciting cars to drive from the manufacturer.
Compared to its chunkier V6 model, the TSX showcases how you don’t need too much power to have a thrilling driver experience, basing on the fact the V6 engine cannot pair with its 6-speed manual. For an all-round experience, the TSX wagon makes a perfect choice for those looking to get this car.
3 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid $13,684
Despite having a low price tag, the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid has a disappointing overall performance. However, it still manages a mid-rank, all thanks to its high crash test scores and reliability. It offers good fuel economy and is a pleasant choice for a 2014 luxury hybrid.
However, most of its rivals still offer better efficiency, stronger engines, and roomier interiors. It comes with a 4-cylinder engine and a plugin electric motor paired with a CVT. Together, they produce a modest 111hp. It has standard features as you’d expect on a 2014 car, including a rearview camera, dual climate control, among others.
2 2013 Acura ZDX $51,815
2013 was the golden year for the stylish Acura ZDX luxury crossover. The 2013 ZDX shares most of its parts with the seven-seater, much taller Acura MDX. There are quite a few reasons why the 2013 ZDX was a great model. For starters, it was a fun car to drive. Acura made sure to fill this luxury crossover with tons of features and amenities for the front driver.
The 2013 Acura ZDX came standard with a V6 engine that had plenty of grunt. It also had the best all-wheel-drive power train system in the lineup. However, Acura still fell short with the low roofline, which hampered practicality at the rear.
1 Acura RL $49,095
The Acura RL is the golden boy of the Acura sedan lineup. It remains unchanged since 2012, but still offers a unique quiet, smooth and posh drive experience. It also comes with a ton of tech features. It falls short on a roomy interior and excitement compared to its much larger competition in its segment, but still, the RL is a much livelier sports sedan.
If you are looking for a great family sedan with minimum frills, the Acura RL fits the bill. It's smooth, composed, sublime on long-distance highway rides, and runs quietly on all speeds.